Patrick Marleau (center) celebrates with Joe Thornton (left) and Joe Pavelski after one of his two goals in a three-goal second period for the Sharks.

Photo: Jeff McIntosh, Associated Press

Patrick Marleau (center) celebrates with Joe Thornton (left) and...

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San Jose Sharks' Douglas Murray, left, of Sweden, sends Calgary Flames' Blake Comeau to the ice during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Calgary, Alberta. The Sharks won 4-1. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Photo: Jeff McIntosh, Associated Press

San Jose Sharks' Douglas Murray, left, of Sweden, sends Calgary...

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San Jose Sharks' Martin Havlat, right, of the Czech Republic, celebrates his goal with Logan Couture, left, as Calgary Flames' Dennis Wideman skates by during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Photo: Jeff McIntosh, Associated Press

San Jose Sharks' Martin Havlat, right, of the Czech Republic,...

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San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31), of Finland, watches the puck as Calgary Flames' Lee Stempniak swats at it during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Calgary, Alberta. The Sharks won 4-1. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

San Jose Sharks' Michal Handzus, left, of Slovakia, tries to get the puck past Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, of Finland, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Photo: Jeff McIntosh, Associated Press

San Jose Sharks' Michal Handzus, left, of Slovakia, tries to get...

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San Jose Sharks' Martin Havlat, left, of the Czech Republic, tries to score on a backhand shot between his legs as Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, of Finland, makes the stop during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Photo: Jeff McIntosh, Associated Press

San Jose Sharks' Martin Havlat, left, of the Czech Republic, tries...

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San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi, rear, of Finland, loses his balance after getting bumped by Calgary Flames' Michael Cammalleri during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Calgary, Alberta. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

Lee Stempniak's power-play goal in the first period was all the offense for Calgary.

The Flames outplayed San Jose in the opening period with a 16-9 edge in shots, a couple of chances that went off the post and a Mikael Backlund breakaway foiled by Niemi.

San Jose recovered to outshoot the Flames 14-4 in the second period and took advantage of a loose defense around Kiprusoff to score three times from close range.

"That first period was a little bit of a shock, but after that, the guys fell into it and you get into a rhythm," Marleau said. "It's going to be a learning curve, a little bit of rust for all teams."

The Flames pressed in the third period, leading in shots 12-6, but Niemi was up to the task.

San Jose scored two power-play goals on six chances. Calgary went 1-for-3.

"We weren't our best, put it that way," Thornton said. "We've still got a lot of work to do and we realize that, but starting on the road and getting the first win was huge."

The Sharks' captain said the previous day, when most NHL teams played, felt like the eve of the postseason because he and his teammates were eager to play.

"Everybody is kind of relieved it's back and hockey's back," Thornton said. "Last night, it kind of felt like playoffs were going to start because everyone was kind of gathered around watching hockey, which is a little bit strange."

As other NHL teams have done at home openers to soothe the feelings of fans after the lockout, the Flames discounted food, drink and merchandise. The stores at the Saddledome were doing brisk business 90 minutes before the game.